Price is usually linked to size in the Indian car world. That?s because the Maruti 800, for nearly 25 years, taught us that cheap cars are expected to be small and vice versa. In which the case, the Tata Nano at a starting price of around Rs.1.25 lakh should be pocket size. But it isn?t. In fact, the amount of internal space comes as a shock, especially when you consider that it?s only 3.1 metres long. The internal width and high seating position make it far more comfortable than not only the Maruti 800 but the more expensive Alto as well.
The Nano is incredibly comfortable for a small car. How did Tata Motors do it? The key to the Nano?s phenomenal packaging is the rear-wheel-drive, rear engine layout. This configuration maximises passenger room as there is no engine upfront. Instead, the tiny bonnet houses the spare tyre and fuel filler. While passenger space and comfort is brilliant, luggage space is less so. The absence of proper tailgate means you have to load the bags from inside, which is a nuisance. Tata knows this and it is likely that before production begins, a conventional glass-opening option will be offered.
The Nano?s interiors have the same ambience of a M800 but owners paying Rs 1.25 lakh are unlikely to complain. A neat touch is the Nano?s stylish dashboard with the instrument console mounted in the centre. This is a design trend seen
on all the new Tata cars. The styling is one area where there is no compromise. There are flat-plane surfaces or glas-ses on the Nano. Tata engineers admit that using simpler surfaces would have saved costs but Ratan Tata did not want to go that route. Tata?s focus on design stands vindicated. The Nano is a stunning car by any standard and proves the point that cheap cars don?t have to look cheap. In fact, though this car is priced in the Rs 1 lakh bracket, you won?t be embarrassed to be seen in it. Stand out features of this radical design include a very steep and snub front bonnet, triangular front quarter glass, high roof and mini side vents under the rear doors that cool the engine compartment with fresh air. The bonnet has a central ridge or fold, which is part of Tata?s new design language.
If you look closely under the body you will see two thick longitudinal runners in the front. This is for providing adequate crash protection to meet the safety requirements in India. The Nano?s safety can be further upgraded with items like airbags and ABS should future regulations demand them.
Tata claims over 20 kpl with performance similar to an M800. The hard work begins now. The Nano will have to go undergo rigorous road trials across the country before the commercial launch at the end of the year, to ensure it performs as promised.
?The author is editor, Autocar India
